The Festival features 15 gourmet food trucks with delicious eats from classic poutine to a schnitzel truck. Better yet, wash the delicious food away with vintage wines and craft beer from throughout Ontario.

I came across this article recently and had to share. Many sellers feel that selling their home privately is a road to extra savings. However, there are a number of issues that can arise when dealing with a private sale. This article comes from Real Estate Magazine, and I’d love to hear your opinions in the comments section. If you have any questions, please get in touch with me!

1. They charge upfront (in most cases thousands). Agents don’t.

When it comes down to it, listing with an agent shouldn’t cost you a cent. I know you probably read that a few times. Agents don’t charge upfront, we only charge when results are provided. This gives you an advantage in more than one way. On the other hand I have heard of individuals paying upwards of $2,000 upfront just for a sign and a spot on a website, only to end up having their house listed and sold by an agent.

2. They aren’t held to any code of ethics.

Real estate agents across Canada are held to a strict code of ethics by CREA. They take the liability if something goes wrong. They are also held to higher standards in advertising and they have duties to you as a client.

3. Just because you’re a real estate professional does not mean you’re rich or overpaid.

This has been the fuel for many slanderous ad campaigns released by popular for sale by owner websites over the years. The truth of the matter is, if it was that easy and they got paid a “small fortune” to sell a house, everyone would get into the business. Selling homes is hard work. Agents often find themselves working for free and hoping to receive a commission.

Consider this situation: A buyer has his agent show him 30 houses over the course a month. The agent spends hours of his time to assist the buyer. The buyer decides not to buy. The agent has worked for free and lost money on expenses. This is a common situation.

So we’re going through some big changes over here – not exactly work wise – but I’m pretty excited! My husband and I recently sold our home and are moving on to a new project: an 1870s heritage home that we’re planning on restoring! I can’t wait to show you our progess as we move along!

If you have any questions you’d like to know, or any rooms you’d like me to focus on throughout this blog I’d love to hear about it!

Architect Missy Brown had been designing and building homes for a long time before she picked up a coffee table book about tree houses around the world. The book’s author was Pete Nelson, one of the foremost tree house designers on the planet.

Flipping through the book, she felt as giddy as a kid in, well, a tree house. So she booked a three-day workshop with Nelson in Seattle to learn the ins and outs — and ups — of tree house design and construction, then began building custom structures in and around Denver. “I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t like tree houses,” Brown says. “Even when we’re building them, people get excited and come to watch them being built.”

Her latest design is for a couple who own several hundred acres of land in Vail, Colorado. Walking trails traverse the picturesque property in the foothills, connecting the main house to various picnic spots, small cabins and this new tree house, which hosts everything from grown-up dinner parties to grandkids’ sleepovers.

This lovely home is filled with upgrades, including wire-brushed hardwood floors, new gourmet kitchen with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances, renovated washrooms, huge master with ensuite, finished basement and MUCH more! Located in Pickering Village, walk to restaurants, shops, cafes, parks, schools, theatres and more. Short distance to the lake, Ajax and Pickering GO stations and amazing shopping.

Call me for more information, or to schedule a private viewing, and view the slideshow below!

Pickering Town Centre is proud to host the 20th Annual Choirs Festival running Tuesday, February 25, 2014 to Thursday, February 27, 2014 with the Grand Finale taking place on Saturday, March 1, 2014 in Centre Court.

Choirs competing in this festival will be representing their respective schools from across Durham Region, each with a 20 minute performance on stage. Preliminary rounds of competition will take place Tuesday to Thursday from 10:00am to 2:30pm with the Grand Finale taking place on Saturday from 11:00am to 2:00pm.

Celebrating its 20th year at Pickering Town Centre, the 2014 Choirs Festival promises to be a fun-filled, community event featuring the best children’s choirs from across Durham Region. As one of the largest festivals in Canada, the Pickering Town Centre Choirs Festival continues to be a great success for both choirs and viewers alike.

For Him: Alleyne’s Grooming for Gentlemen is relatively new in Ajax, but has become an excellent desination for men looking to pamper themselves a little. You can purchase a gift certificate for anything from a hot shave (very popular) to a massage to pedicure, even image consultations.

A good book can be a great gift as well – why not take a look through Chapter’s and find something on a subject he loves?

Most men also love chocolates. You can either buy pre-boxed or visit Laura Secord, Purdy’s or Godiva and make your own combination up. Really, who doesn’t love chocolate?

For Her: If you don’t want to go the chocolates and roses route (Which you can easily find at Laura Secord or Purdy’s!), then know that every girl loves to be pampered too. A massage or a pedicure is always a great gift. If you’re looking for a fabulous masseuse, look no further than Melissa Nunes at The Purple Monarch. For a mani-pedi, there are lots of options available, but here are just a few in Whitby, Ajax, Pickering and Oshawa.

Looking for some fun activities?

If you love skating, head down to Millenium Square in Frenchman’s Bay and check out the outdoor skating rink. Open from 9am to 9pm

Take your little one to a ceramics cafe! Check out Crock a Doodle out in Bowmanville, and they can make their own unique piece of art.

If you’re looking for something fun to do with the family, check out the ParentSource events page for lots of fun ideas!

Happening tonight at City Hall (1 The Esplanade), head into city council chambers beginning at 6PM to stroll around the booths and be serenaded with the lovely music of the Pickering Community Concert Band (featuring yours truly!)

The indoor fun runs from 6-8 tonight, after which the tree lighting will commence outside, along with a beautiful fireworks display. This is always a great event with lots of traffic, and I hope to see some of you there!

Sidenote: If you are coming to City Hall, I also HIGHLY recommend you drive South on Liverpool to Ilona Park Crescent for some of the most AMAZING lighting displays you will ever see!